For some years now, we’ve had the pleasure of working with the Frogbridge resort and Windows on the Water banquet facility. Once the recession dug its ugly teeth in a few years ago, consumers and businesses collectively pulled back and stopped spending. But Windows on the Water, a higher-end catering facility for weddings and special events, did exactly the opposite —

They embarked upon a very expensive redesign of their large facility. From interior decor to outdoor hardscaping (from entrance to lakeside patio) to upgraded cuisine, they expanded, reconfigured and renovated.

And it paid off. Just a few years later, bookings have more than doubled. Their advertising budget has actually decreased because customer word-of-mouth is so positive — their marketing campaign is practically viral (although the healthy Twitter and Facebook accounts we manage never hurt).

What does this all mean? Sometimes in business, you have to keep driving ahead when everyone else has taken the detour. Because, in the end, those who take the biggest leap of faith during a time of uncertainty, will reap the biggest reward. Congratuations on your success, Windows, you’ve earned it.

A savvy client who purchased an educational enrichment global franchise wanted to offer an additional level of services to meet the specific needs of her New Jersey client base. She was in need of a simple, direct and cost effective website to present her service categories and share client testimonials. In lieu of spending thousands for a website designer to build a custom site, we created a virtually ‘free website’ using WordPress’s Coraline blog template. We paid $20 bucks to purchase a custom URL from GoDaddy.com and installed a geo-specific masthead to add a polished welcome to viewers.

The site functions like a content management system and can be changed and updated more easily than editing a Word document. And there is plenty of room to grow. Priority #1 —video. We recommended introducing a friendly welcome message from the franchise director, a few teachers and some happy customer testimonials (parents and children). Adding key social media is also in the works, of course.

Bottom line–this site helps potential customers get to know JEI and why it stands apart from the competition. This is a great start to markeing a franchise with a personalized, local message. On the cheap. Now there’s a good business plan.

A simple and direct way to reach new patients is to offer patient-targeted tips and advice, referred to as doctor-to-patient or (DTP) marketing, like this recently published article. This piece was optimally publicized by our client using the following distinct avenues:

Health and Wellness sections of area newspapers

Doctor and affiliated hospital websites

Email ‘eblast’

Offered as a take-one in the practice office

Note the practice’s contact information is conveniently provided at the end of the article–